Shane Watson's life without bowling is so far turning out to be a life without worries - for him, and for Australia. Another fluent innings from Watson set the hosts on the path to a leisurely five-wicket victory over the West Indies at the SCG, thus extending the series ledger to 4-0 in favour of Michael Clarke's team as they begin to be fragmented by departures for the imminent tour of India.

Forming important early stands with Aaron Finch and Phillip Hughes, Watson showed there was little bowling joy to be found in a pitch on which the visitors earlier slipped to 6 for 55. Kieron Pollard's admirable rearguard had dragged the visitors' tally to 220 and at least ensured the lights would be required before 18,161 spectators watched Australia strolling home with 31 balls to spare.

Watson played handsome strokes all around the ground, while also absorbing a teasing spell from Sunil Narine, but was given a major helping of good fortune on 32 when wicketkeeper Devon Thomas dropped the sort of chance any gloveman would have been embarrassed to turf. The West Indies were again their own worst enemies when Narsingh Deonarine spurned a chance to run out Hughes, taking the ball but disturbing the stumps with his arm as he did so.

Pollard's century notwithstanding, Australia's target had been kept well within reach by Mitchell Johnson, who had done his best impression of the rested Mitchell Starc to zip through the visitors' batting. None of the West Indian top four reached double figures, leaving Pollard attempting to cobble some kind of total together in a match rendered dead by Australia's completion of an unassailable 3-0 margin on Wednesday night in Canberra.

Supported by Ben Cutting, Clint McKay and a tidy Glenn Maxwell, Johnson grabbed three early wickets to turn the West Indies innings into a salvage operation for Pollard after their captain Darren Sammy had little hesitation batting first on a dry, hard surface that offered bounce.

Finch and Watson began the chase with good sense, striding to a second half-century opening stand in as many innings before Finch was pinned lbw by Narine. Reviewing the decision, Finch discovered the ball was straight enough and clipping the top of the stumps, sending him on his way for another total that indicated more promise than substance.

Hughes was soon playing in Watson's slipstream, the target steadily reduced, but he did not exploit the missed run out, gloving an attempted paddle sweep to slip after struggling to deal with Narine's spin, which from the outset of the innings had seemed West Indies' lone hope of inducing a rush of wickets.

Watson prevented this however, and had left the middle order a task far from taxing by the time Thomas did hang onto a chance, a swift delivery from Tino Best taking bat handle or glove. The remainder of the chase was more comfortable than memorable, though Matthew Wade roused the crowd by hoicking his first ball - a free-hit from Andrew Russell - into the Members Stand, and the win was momentarily delayed when Clarke gloved Best behind with only one run required.

It had seemed a useful toss for Sammy to win on a pristine afternoon, but Johnson found enough new ball swing to bring back the tourists' repressed memories of being shot down for 70 at the WACA ground. In the fourth over Johnson Charles was utterly defeated by a delivery bending back late to pluck out his off stump. McKay was giving nothing away at the other end, allowing Johnson to attack, and Kieran Powell fell victim to another swinging ball before Darren Bravo failed to ride the bounce.

Dwayne Bravo was given lbw on referral when Maxwell straightened an off break into him, then Cutting extracted useful bounce on his arrival to the bowling crease that accounted for Deonarine and Thomas, the latter sent on his way after the third umpire reviewed Finch's low catch.

At that point another pre-dinner finish beckoned, but Pollard provided a reminder of the batting skill that drove him to a century against the same opponents in St Lucia last year. He did so with greater restraint than has usually been characteristic in forming stands of 35 with Andre Russell and 64 with Narine.

Pollard waited until his 115th delivery to swing for the fences, crashing James Faulkner's slower ball over wide long-on, and he added another off McKay before jumping for joy upon reaching three figures. Well as he played, the final tally was never likely to be enough. Watson's authority made that certain.

It pains to hear people blaming Sammy or the coach for the failures of incompetent individuals . You can talk until the cows come home ,or preach until your tongue turn's blue ,it wouldn't make a difference if a player doesn't have what it takes to assess the situation and go out there and perform accordingly . Your team has victory in sight and you [ Narine and Deonarine ] gifts your wickets . So often in games , Players trying to hit balls for sixes when the situation doesn't warrant such , only to be caught on the boundary ; can't blame the coach for that ! It's a combination of poor application and lack of ability rather than captaincy or coaching , in my my opinion .

tanstell87
on February 10, 2013, 1:38 GMT

now people know how much important Marlon Samuels is to the WI line up

on February 9, 2013, 17:15 GMT

W.I. continue to repeat their mistakes.SAD.We have such great young talent that continue to be wasted.Will we ever again get it right?

Marko12
on February 9, 2013, 14:10 GMT

I hate to break up the West Indies discussion, but what about Mitchell Starc? Beautiful bowling.

Reuelsean
on February 9, 2013, 14:00 GMT

The Wi team selection is all wrong, under ideal circumstances the full strength team should be; Gayle, Powell, DM Bravo, Samuels, DJ Bravo, Pollard, Ramdin, Narine, Roach, Rampaul, Best/Holder. If they insist that they want ramdin to only play in test matches, then surely, Shane Dowrich is a much better choice than Devon Thomas. People could talk about Darren Sammy having all the heart in the world, but the reality is, he is a burden on the team, he needs to go. Sarwarn should have been left at home, as he is not in any kind of form, he has been looking horrible since the Caribbean T20. Thomas and charles, should have been left at home as well. We have too much up and coming bowling talent in the Wi to only play 2 frontline bowlers. at least one or two of Gabriel, Beaton, Johnson should have been on this tour. Our selectors are asleep at the wheel, and continue to run wi cricket off the road.

on February 9, 2013, 11:52 GMT

Sammy is the main problem of the team..He is neither a genuine bowler nor a genuine batsman.. He is dragging the team down, when was the last time we saw anything substantial from Sammy anyway..Like mentioned he is captain by default.

windiespalm
on February 9, 2013, 10:00 GMT

Ok.....I have been a supporter of Sammy's work up to now. But I agree with Iline Richards - time for a change now. Gibson can carry on with the new discipline and work ethic since he seems to not be going to Warwickshire after all. Sammy is not effective enough as a bowler, no a no 6 batsman, so time to make way if we are to improve any further. People like Gabriel, D Johnson, Beaton need to be back in the team as well - gabriel and beaton were very quick and hostile on Slow Caribbean pitches in St Lucia in the CT20. If Sarwan is included again it must be on the back of form and against opposition he has a good history against-his issue has be psychological, so why bring him back against the team and venue he has the least success? Maybe Gibson is messing with his head as Gayle said.

Simoc
on February 9, 2013, 5:36 GMT

This is probably the WI off season where people back home are watching football or whatever and the results mean little to them & it is often reflected as Oz was in the UK last winter. There is a very good WI team available and Best & Roach are in.
I was most impressed with Ben Cutting. Smooth easy run-up, high delivery and looks capable of troubling the best.He looks like being on being on par with Bird plus being a better batter. I'm picking Bird to carve up the Poms in England.

aclarity
on February 9, 2013, 4:37 GMT

I said it at the start that at least 20% of the WI players are not deserving of this tour - Charles, Thomas and Sarwan. This damages the morale of younger, deserving players and depresses WI fans. Walton for Charles and Thomas, Chanders for Sarwan and there is a place for Benn, Gabriel, Beaton, Barnwell, Johnson or Cottereal. Russel has receded over the past year and is a very lucky man to be on this tour. Once again I ask the selectors to use a simple formula: the 6 best batsmen and bowlers, a wicketkeeper and you still have two others. Stop picking a plethora of fielding all-rounders.

on February 9, 2013, 2:36 GMT

Frankly, It is very difficult for WICB, the coach, captain or selectors to read, digest or accept any suggestions that comes from these write ups. Power, Pride, and 'know it all' is the problem.

Before the 4th ODI, I suggest to rest Darren Bravo, Sammy, and knowing that Gayle is injured; to play Deonarine, Holder and continue with Sarwan until he finds form. The series was already lost. Dwayne could have led the team. But 'No', no one who has good idea, support the WI and has experience in the game makes sense to the WI regime. Now they may want to drop Sarwan for good. Sarwan was supposed to play out the series and try to cope with Gibson and get over that physcological effect he has over Gibson.
Again, they set up Bishoo and dropped him. They say Chanders is too slow. These two men are match savers and match winners.

I think the manager from Jamaica can make a difference.

I do hope countries like Trinidad and Guyana can go Solo.

simonviller
on February 11, 2013, 6:50 GMT

It pains to hear people blaming Sammy or the coach for the failures of incompetent individuals . You can talk until the cows come home ,or preach until your tongue turn's blue ,it wouldn't make a difference if a player doesn't have what it takes to assess the situation and go out there and perform accordingly . Your team has victory in sight and you [ Narine and Deonarine ] gifts your wickets . So often in games , Players trying to hit balls for sixes when the situation doesn't warrant such , only to be caught on the boundary ; can't blame the coach for that ! It's a combination of poor application and lack of ability rather than captaincy or coaching , in my my opinion .

tanstell87
on February 10, 2013, 1:38 GMT

now people know how much important Marlon Samuels is to the WI line up

on February 9, 2013, 17:15 GMT

W.I. continue to repeat their mistakes.SAD.We have such great young talent that continue to be wasted.Will we ever again get it right?

Marko12
on February 9, 2013, 14:10 GMT

I hate to break up the West Indies discussion, but what about Mitchell Starc? Beautiful bowling.

Reuelsean
on February 9, 2013, 14:00 GMT

The Wi team selection is all wrong, under ideal circumstances the full strength team should be; Gayle, Powell, DM Bravo, Samuels, DJ Bravo, Pollard, Ramdin, Narine, Roach, Rampaul, Best/Holder. If they insist that they want ramdin to only play in test matches, then surely, Shane Dowrich is a much better choice than Devon Thomas. People could talk about Darren Sammy having all the heart in the world, but the reality is, he is a burden on the team, he needs to go. Sarwarn should have been left at home, as he is not in any kind of form, he has been looking horrible since the Caribbean T20. Thomas and charles, should have been left at home as well. We have too much up and coming bowling talent in the Wi to only play 2 frontline bowlers. at least one or two of Gabriel, Beaton, Johnson should have been on this tour. Our selectors are asleep at the wheel, and continue to run wi cricket off the road.

on February 9, 2013, 11:52 GMT

Sammy is the main problem of the team..He is neither a genuine bowler nor a genuine batsman.. He is dragging the team down, when was the last time we saw anything substantial from Sammy anyway..Like mentioned he is captain by default.

windiespalm
on February 9, 2013, 10:00 GMT

Ok.....I have been a supporter of Sammy's work up to now. But I agree with Iline Richards - time for a change now. Gibson can carry on with the new discipline and work ethic since he seems to not be going to Warwickshire after all. Sammy is not effective enough as a bowler, no a no 6 batsman, so time to make way if we are to improve any further. People like Gabriel, D Johnson, Beaton need to be back in the team as well - gabriel and beaton were very quick and hostile on Slow Caribbean pitches in St Lucia in the CT20. If Sarwan is included again it must be on the back of form and against opposition he has a good history against-his issue has be psychological, so why bring him back against the team and venue he has the least success? Maybe Gibson is messing with his head as Gayle said.

Simoc
on February 9, 2013, 5:36 GMT

This is probably the WI off season where people back home are watching football or whatever and the results mean little to them & it is often reflected as Oz was in the UK last winter. There is a very good WI team available and Best & Roach are in.
I was most impressed with Ben Cutting. Smooth easy run-up, high delivery and looks capable of troubling the best.He looks like being on being on par with Bird plus being a better batter. I'm picking Bird to carve up the Poms in England.

aclarity
on February 9, 2013, 4:37 GMT

I said it at the start that at least 20% of the WI players are not deserving of this tour - Charles, Thomas and Sarwan. This damages the morale of younger, deserving players and depresses WI fans. Walton for Charles and Thomas, Chanders for Sarwan and there is a place for Benn, Gabriel, Beaton, Barnwell, Johnson or Cottereal. Russel has receded over the past year and is a very lucky man to be on this tour. Once again I ask the selectors to use a simple formula: the 6 best batsmen and bowlers, a wicketkeeper and you still have two others. Stop picking a plethora of fielding all-rounders.

on February 9, 2013, 2:36 GMT

Frankly, It is very difficult for WICB, the coach, captain or selectors to read, digest or accept any suggestions that comes from these write ups. Power, Pride, and 'know it all' is the problem.

Before the 4th ODI, I suggest to rest Darren Bravo, Sammy, and knowing that Gayle is injured; to play Deonarine, Holder and continue with Sarwan until he finds form. The series was already lost. Dwayne could have led the team. But 'No', no one who has good idea, support the WI and has experience in the game makes sense to the WI regime. Now they may want to drop Sarwan for good. Sarwan was supposed to play out the series and try to cope with Gibson and get over that physcological effect he has over Gibson.
Again, they set up Bishoo and dropped him. They say Chanders is too slow. These two men are match savers and match winners.

I think the manager from Jamaica can make a difference.

I do hope countries like Trinidad and Guyana can go Solo.

on February 9, 2013, 2:22 GMT

Something must be weighing WI down, could it be 1kg of Gold around their necks, or is it theTree Trunks used as Bats??

Mary_786
on February 9, 2013, 2:14 GMT

You can see how much we have missed Watson in the batting department.I can't believe his spot was even being questioned….brings such a dominant presence to the team added to the fact that he actually is one of our best batsmen and certainly our best opener, and these innings will ensure him and Warner open which is bad news for Cowan. @Hyclass i agree with your top 5 batsman but i would move Khawaja to 5 and move Clarke to 4 as he is our best batsman and needs to come in earlier. Khawaja like Punter early in his career can learn his craft at 5 or 6(pref ably) and then move up the order if he can be successful. And we need our top order to improve their running between the wickets. Watson was a MILE out but he's been saved by the bowler taking the bails just before the ball last night and this was a repeat of many run out issues between Hughes and Watson which we can't afford in the test series.

TheLight
on February 9, 2013, 1:34 GMT

West indies cannot expect to win with 2 specialist bowlers in Best and Narine only. They need 4 bowlers to win a match, 3 is taking a risk but 2 is just daft

on February 9, 2013, 0:31 GMT

I see potential with the windies side with big Jason Holder, Best, Taylor, Roach and Narine. these are quality bowlers and throw in the allrounders of Bravo and Pollard, just the batting lineup is a dissapointment. Darren Bravo has so much talent but i dont think he is ever going to reach it.
My Windies Test Team: Gayle, Powell, DM Bravo, Sarwan, Chander, (DJ Bravo or Samuels), Ramdin, Taylor, Holder, Narine, Roach. 12th man Best

mar2000
on February 9, 2013, 0:15 GMT

Let's hope that the WI selectors find room for BARNWELL . He is the brightess thing in the caribbean right now .

on February 9, 2013, 0:12 GMT

What is Sammy doing on the team? Sammy is like an idea whose time has come. WI lost the the one dayers because of the absence of genuine pace bowlers - Holder, Best,Roach. One of these has to stand down because, Sammy's selection is at the expence of of one and only justified because he is a captain by default. He is not a thinking captain, not astute in his decision and does not have the demeanor of a contemplative leader. He does not seem to be a student of the game. Sammy is a stop gap player. Sammy's bowling will do well in England - not anywhere else. Its time to groom Ramdin. Its time to turn over the full brunt of the captaincy to him. After all, he cannot do worst than Sammy. The only way this WI team can go is up, but not with Sammy at the helm!

johnal
on February 9, 2013, 0:11 GMT

hi not suprised by the results. i am expecting the whitewash from the aussies .when will the west indies selectors stop picking the wrong teams . i cant see wat thomas is doing in that team .how can u expect to win when u pick 4 all rounders a non performing wicket keeper only 2 batsmen making runs . wat is the coach doing . the second consective ODI series loss for the west indies. time for sammy to stop making those stupid comments .

VivGilchrist
on February 8, 2013, 23:39 GMT

WI problem is there batting. Roach, Best, Holder, Rampaul are all good ODI bowlers. Then you have the untried Johnson and Richardson too. Gayle, DM Bravo, Powell, Samuels, and Shiv are the best specialist batsmen but unfortunately that's it. There all - rounders are better batsmen, than the rest of the batsmen in the WI. So when they have a couple of injuries, there are no class replacements. I blame not enough first-class cricket and too spin-friendly pitches over there on why there batsmen can't build an innings.

Pollard has earned enough money, time to play more FC cricket at home, county cricket too. He would be a great asset for WI in the Test XI, but he must play more proper cricket.

Next game WI should throw caution to the wind, back in there batsmen and play Best, Holder, and Roach and put the Aussie bats under pressure. Gibson, play to your strengths not compensate

dunger.bob
on February 8, 2013, 23:27 GMT

I like the 2 white balls they are using these days. The bowlers get something early on but batting is at it's easiest towards the back end of the innings. Pollards great knock was a good example of that. .. in the final 15 overs the ball was still hard but not so shiny. Perfect for batting and the big fella cashed in beautifully. . .. all that sounds like a proper game of cricket to me. ... lot's of WI fans have said that their team looks more like a T20 team and if that's the case it's a mistake. .. especially with the 2 new balls. .. you have to be able to defend a bit at the start of the innings. ... Finch looks uncomfortable at this level. .. maybe he can come good but I'm glad I'm not hanging by my tongue waiting for it. .. Maxwell bowled well I thought. He's no Narine but that was better today. He got his length right more often. Still a few problems with holding a line, but even that was better.

on February 8, 2013, 21:59 GMT

@Mitch Kanhai, u r so very true and the sad part is that Gibson is there for another 3 yrs so u can imagine what will happen to west indies cricket and finally shiv and ramdin shud have been in the side

on February 8, 2013, 21:14 GMT

Hi folks this may come to you as surprise Otis Gibson do not like Asian Caribbean people, he is an Racialist,Shiv told Guyana paper that otis Gibson is the worst coach WI have, he rated Dyson to be good,Chris Gayle told Jamaica radio Gibson is a user ant he twisted Sarwan mind in the 2007 world cup Primister Simpson put Gale back in the team he also stated Sammy is no good.

hycIass
on February 8, 2013, 20:53 GMT

West Indies were never in the game once they had scored only 220 batting first. Even that looked a long stretch after slumping to 6/55 and 7/98 at different times in the match.There were chances that both Watson and Hughes offered in their second wicket stand of 62 and had West Indies taken those, things could have got a lot closer. Watson finally got out for 76 but by then it was all over bar the shouting, with Clarke's 38 helping their cause. Watson continues to prove that he should be the test opener with Warner. And that should hopefully give an idea on our batting lineup with Watto, Warner, Hughes, Khawaja, Clarke to be our top 5. And for those who don't know much about Best, he has always been quick but his problem has always been control. I haven't seen him show so much control before. This has been a serious couple of spells or so from Best and that's good signs for the Windies.

Batmanindallas
on February 8, 2013, 20:38 GMT

Playing 20-20 with bits and pieces players is okay as they are not exposed for a longer time. Trying to win 50 overs with so many all rounders who did not contribute with ball is a bad strategy. They need atleast 4/5 good bats in the top and all they have is Marlon and an off color Gayle. Darren Bravo is yet to deliver to his potential.

Sammy inspite of everything does not deserve a place in the team.....

typos
on February 8, 2013, 20:15 GMT

I am not going to bash the players like Charles and Thomas, they can only do what they are capable of. Most teams however, pick players who are in form and who have demonstrated ability against different opposition. Thus, Best should play since in the last year or so he has been among our best bowlers along with Roach and Rampaul; the English series shows this. As openers go, Bharat, who played well against Australia in Australia should have been picked as cover for the 2 openers or even to bat in the middle order. Bravo's bowling is coming back and he is starting to be more consistent as a batsman and his half brother is good enough. He and Sammy can share 10 and both must aim to produce at least one fifty between them each match. One less batsman and one more specialist bowler while demanding more of Bravo and Sammy with the bat.

on February 8, 2013, 18:51 GMT

Poor Capitan and selection comatee is only reason of this series lost.You are coming AUS without Real Fast Bowler like Edwards and Taylor why ............??????
D.Sammi is him self is misfit in best 11
S.Paul shld be included in ODI Squad he is far batter then any batsmen in playing 11.
From Current squad i play with Gayle,Powall,DJ Bravo,DM Bravo,Pollard,Rusaal,Chalrs (WK),Narine,Holder,Roach,and Best.

SevereCritic
on February 8, 2013, 18:47 GMT

Marlon Samuels is being sorely missed. Another T20 club league casualty spoiling what could have been a more competitive international series.

British_North_America
on February 8, 2013, 18:28 GMT

You are playing a T20 team for ODI.

satspeare
on February 8, 2013, 18:22 GMT

"At that point another pre-dinner finish beckoned, but Pollard provided a reminder of the batting skill that drove him to a century against the same opponents in St Lucia last year. He did so with greater restraint than has usually been characteristic in forming stands of 35 with Andre Russell and 64 with Narine. Pollard waited until his 115th delivery to swing for the fences,"
oh Pollard, whwere was this type of batting when in the second game when we did not lose the series as yet?? Time to bring back Shiv - our best batsman. No team in the world except WI will treat Shiv this way. he bats too slow and he is too old but yet we have not batted all 50 overs in any game time to get rid of these irresponsible players including Sammy. it is one thing to fail due to lack of form, completely different to get out irresponsibly and we lose from a winning position. that has been happening way too often. how we win at least one game this tour.

West Indies needs to have more specialist players rather than bits and pieces. They are just in the hope that these players would click in 1 form or the other (Bat or Bowl). But more often than not they would fail in both.
Namely - Sammy, Pollard (Cant consider him to be international material if he is going to perform 1 in 10 times), Russell...
They can still have 7 specialist batsmen and (including Gayle, Samuels and Bravo) and 4 specialist bowlers (Who are serious bowlers).
Gayle,Samuels and Bravo are good enough bolwers to bowl 20 overs unless they have an off day. West Indies is a good team and still make a come bak in a good way if they opt for Sarwan(give him some time, he is making his international comebak), Chanderpaul, Samuels, Fidel Edwards, Jerome Taylor, Benn, Rampaul...
Plzzzzzzzzzzzz get rid of Pollard, Sammy and Russell.

mike.iz
on February 8, 2013, 17:09 GMT

Another win for Australia.Not bad for guy who is out of form and not sure of a test place(saying that Watson was always a consistent ODI player)Watson you Beauty!Beautifully controlled innings. Seems to getting better.Seems more hungry to score.Perfectly controlled knock to guide Australia to a win.Watson record chasing has anyway been really one of the best going around I should think. Needs another good knock as most likely he will be Captain & most senior Australia batsman for the Melbourne ODI on Sunday...Keep the runs flowing Watto...ON Kieron Pollard top knock put his head down & batted.He needs to do this all the time.Just bat normally at the start of his knock & the runs are going to flow...Think he needs to play FC cricket to learn to bat & bat long...Hope to see a cracker on Sunday!!!There are going to be battles within battles..cant wait!

on February 8, 2013, 17:07 GMT

problem is sammy he should make the way for a geninue fast bowler

on February 8, 2013, 16:55 GMT

I must admit Thomas is out of his league. I think tactically, so too is Sammy, he is a nice guy but let Ramdin Captain the one day and 20-20 squad. West Indies did not seem to have a plan therefore could not adjust in any of the games because they have no contingencies either. I said a few months ago. J Charles does not have international cut, yet he is still carried around. Gibson & Co. need to do the right thing, you have failed. RESIGN!!!!!

TAJY
on February 8, 2013, 16:04 GMT

I don't know where to start with West Indies. The top order is like a deck of cards, all out by 20. For years now we don't have a keeper who can bat. Ramdin and Baugh can't bat against international teams either, but at least they are excellent wicketkeepers. Get rid of devon thomas please! Also, its ridiculous to think we could dismiss Australia with our weak bowling lineup. How about playing Tino and Roach at the same time? I guess its a pipe dream to have Rampaul, Roach, Tino, Jerome Taylor in a squad together. Russell's bowling hasn't been effective in months. God knows what happened to his once deadly yorker, he's degressed so much as a bowler. He's only in there cuz of his power hitting which compensates for our pathetic top order. We can't win like that. Too much all-rounders who are ineffective and inconsistent (Sammy, Russell, DJ Bravo). And to make matters worse, our senior players (Sarwan, Gayle) have stunk up the place. We need Chanderpaul in the worst way.

Sinhaya
on February 8, 2013, 15:28 GMT

Oh Pollard you beauty but what is happening that everyone cant click as a team! Surely Windies, you all could have won the 2nd and 3rd ODIs but squandered it. I thought you all will do better than Sri Lanka in the ODIs against Aussies.

on February 8, 2013, 15:15 GMT

@ Rally Windies. Just stop it. Why don't you go talk to Gayle, the guy hasn't scored a meaningful One day score (other than NZ) for years now. People seem to forget this. Sarwan a senior batsman did nothing and the so called big Pollard makes a 100 once in 50 innings. It's always easy to attack the fringe players.

on February 8, 2013, 14:58 GMT

@WESTINDIESANALYST It is a good thing for all players when they are not a part of the IPL, at least in terms of their cricketing and self respect. Really, who, apart from the investors, does it benefit? Apparently this takes place at the same time as the 1st class WI domestic competition so Best can make himself eligible for test selection. Very few people outside of India think much of the 20/20 game anyway so it is actually a very good thing for West Indies cricket.

Charlie101
on February 8, 2013, 14:54 GMT

WI are missing Marlon Samuels who has scored plenty of runs in all formats in the last 12 months . He is a fine player who will hopefully be back from injury soon.

ozziespirit
on February 8, 2013, 14:19 GMT

Great effort from the aussie boys, they've sunk the windies enough in this series already!

Rally_Windies
on February 8, 2013, 13:50 GMT

wait Thomas can't keep against Narine's spin .. and he can't bat ....

why is he in this team ?

Rally_Windies
on February 8, 2013, 13:49 GMT

2 batsmen short...

Devon Thomas and Charles are not up for the task .....

has Charles pat 10 in any game so far ?

I don't understand the WICB selectors logic ...

why pick a specialist keeper who CANNOT BAT ... for an ODI ????

Rhamdin & Baugh are BY FAR the best keeper batsmen in the Caribbean .....

on February 8, 2013, 13:12 GMT

We just don't have the bowlers that can restrict any good side to manageable totals. That has been the case since the departure of Michael Holding et al. Tino Best is trying and he should have been given the nod from the first match over, say Roach who bowls too erratically to be even in the team.

SNIFFLEATHER
on February 8, 2013, 13:10 GMT

Probably a good thing Tino didn't play at the WACA. He might have done some serious harm to some of those batsmen...

simonviller
on February 8, 2013, 13:10 GMT

One of the many problems facing WI is the lack of quality top order batsmen who can perform consistently , that also causes the selection of inconsistent all-rounders to compensate for the top order batting failures . All the top level teams can play three or four pacers and at the least one spinner ,because their top order performs almost every time . Some thoughtful application to batting however ,could still see a successful WI team performance . One other mention ; Why is Dwayne Smith not on this tour ? No one in this WI team seems to be able to cut or hook these short balls like the Australian batsmen ,a far cry from tradition , for a WI team .

Square-cutter
on February 8, 2013, 13:07 GMT

Surprised the security guard is ok after the hit in the head from the Pollard 6. It looked like it got him in the temple from 90 meters away. Obviously one tough Aussie!!

on February 8, 2013, 13:06 GMT

Another poor batting performance from the top order. Powell and the Bravos failed this time round, with Johnson Charles' lack of match time, looked out of his depth in conditions that he's not used to. Credit to Pollard though, he showed that he can be more than just a big hitter, if he sets his mind to it. Some good support from the lower-order to guide Polly to his century. As i stated yesterday, you can't go in with two fulltime bowlers in a 50 over match and their lack of depth got exposed once again. As much as i like Sammy's determination, enthusiasm and professionalism, being a bits&pieces player compromises the balance of the team and unless he contributes with either bat or ball, we'll always find ourselves a little light when we compete with the top Countries. Although our away record doesn't make great reading since the class of the early 90s.

TheCricketEmpireStrikesBack
on February 8, 2013, 13:00 GMT

WI's struggles in ODIs are a little difficult to understand given the talent within the team and that they are the current T20 World champions. Some of this is down to how well the opposition lets you play but that seems only part of the story. Maybe if they all played with Tino's energy it would be different.

mar2000
on February 8, 2013, 12:48 GMT

The WI will struggle to the end in this series . We just cannot get the right mix for a game . Everyone who follow Cricket in the caribbean know that CHARLES is a SAMMY pick and he should not have been on that tour . SIMMONS would have been a better pick , but this is the POLITICS of WI cricket .One good thing is that SARWAN is sitting on the bench where he should have been from day one .

on February 8, 2013, 12:35 GMT

West Indies need a rethink. Hopefully a new direction will come even with Gibson getting a new 3 yr contract. They seem to think if they pack their team with big hitters, singles are as unnecessary as genuine bowlers. Mistake. Another batsman and bowler each are needed. I still say Sammy in the team causes problems. With him there they have to pack it with all-rounders as he is the weakest among them and they can't justify leaving one of the others out while he plays. How Charles and Thomas deserve to wear the maroon colours is beyond me. If they don't want to go with Ramdin how about the young WI under 19 keeper from Barbados, Dorwich? On Samuels' return, would love see a ODI team of 1. Gayle 2. K. Powell 3. Samuels 4. DM Bravo 5. DJ Bravo 6. Pollard 7. Ramdin/Dowrich 8. Russell 9. Narine 10. Best 11. Roach. I also think Dwayne Bravo with his talent and energy could be a great choice for captain. Potentially a modern day Constantine.

on February 8, 2013, 12:29 GMT

Why pick on Sarwan he's still the best, why not drop Sammy Gale Charles all no good bring Shiv, Otis Gibson must go, Gale told Jamaica radio Gibson is a user and Sammy useless.

on February 8, 2013, 12:28 GMT

Well done Mr Pollard.

Again the Australian bowlers proved their worth leaving a relatively simple chase for the batsmen.

I agree with most others ..... why wasn't Best in the other games??

@ Jayzuz ... I have really enjoyed Hughes batting over summer, but lets face it he hasn't been up against the most talented of teams. Again .... which is why Quiney played against SA. If he wants to play silly shots like he did last summer that's fine .... it's just that he has a chance to be Captain of the Australian Cricket Team one day if he chooses his shots a little more wisely.

on February 8, 2013, 12:02 GMT

it's becoming a turkey shoot now, may be shane watson the batsman is what australia needed.

pratit
on February 8, 2013, 11:50 GMT

Really rubbish team selection from West Indies, going in with only 2 specialist bowlers. They've got to fit in Narine, Roach and Best( or anyone else) for every match. Now there are too many innocuous parttimers. Sammy was never a talented cricketer and nowadays he often does not bowl his ten overs. Russel is inconsistent. Really it is high time that they choose a balanced structure of the team and stick to it. You cannot compensate for the incompetence of the top order batsmen by filling the lower order with bits and pieces cricketers.

Jayzuz
on February 8, 2013, 11:36 GMT

@Boooowled, better get used to it. That's the way Hughes bats, the way he gets heaps of runs, and the way he gets out. If you want orthodox watch Clarke. Nothing is surer than as soon as Hughes misses more than two games in a row, the experts round here and in Pommyland will come out and say "he's been found out" - till he gets the next ton.

wellrounded87
on February 8, 2013, 11:35 GMT

Funny how they say Mitchell Johnson did a Mitchell Starc Impression... I recall Mitchell Johnson destroying SA and England with swing long before i heard the name Mitchell Starc.

Cutting barely gets a mention, i thought he bowled very well tonight.

VEXXZ
on February 8, 2013, 11:29 GMT

Pollard came good now that the pressure is off and he can free his arms . Finally , SARWAN is on the bench where he belong , but all this is somewhat too late .The WI is clearly missing SAMUELS and our bowling line-up let the Aussies keep putting those big scores on the board every time .

BRUTALANALYST
on February 8, 2013, 11:12 GMT

BEST caused a lot of problems for the Aussies batsman completely outpaced Watson and Clarke 2 of the best batsman in the world with RAW pace, really great to see can you imagine these guys having to face him without a helmet ? now that would be something special especially with all the HD camera angles they have today ! I cannot believe he was not given one game at the WACA and it's also a shame no IPL side snapped him up as the entrainment he brings alone as a bowler is unmatched.

on February 8, 2013, 10:49 GMT

pollard has a one man of team...............

VivGilchrist
on February 8, 2013, 10:13 GMT

Australia in box seat but still Clarke and Voges are lacking alot of urgency. If they don't look to score and lose a few wickets they may give WI a boost. Looks like WI have missed a trick not giving Tino either Roach or Holder to bowl with. They've stacked there batting and both there bowling and batting has suffered. Last time WI toured they went into every game with only one opening bowler and lost 5-0. Have they not learned that this tactic doesn't work in Oz?

I'm mad they haven't played TINO before this game his energy and aggression has been missed ! also why do W.I always play either Roach alone or him alone? then the pressure drops next over with Russell or Sammy bowling there medium pace lets batsman of the hook i want to see W.I play BEST ROACH together with Narine and another bowler.

creekeetman
on February 8, 2013, 9:46 GMT

brilliant by pollard, those calling for his head know nothing about cricket. good to see sarwan dropped, could'nt understand why he was picked in the first place. but am i missing something.... why on earth are they persisting with the keeper?? its not like there is even potential to work with.

Boooowled
on February 8, 2013, 9:26 GMT

I love the relationship between the two teams. Watching the broadcast, and while it is serious cricket, they're all clearly having fun. Great to see. I really hope WI cricket revives, not, perhaps to the painful experiences of the '80's, but another Curtly would be welcome!! It would be great to see a tight series with the Windies.

Boooowled
on February 8, 2013, 9:23 GMT

That was one of the worst shots I've seen. Hughes might be in form, but trying to fine sweep a ball a foot and a half outside of offstump, with your head already swivelled to look where you're going to hit it. Fifth Grade cricket that.

ARJa
on February 8, 2013, 9:15 GMT

Devon Thomas! Can't bat or keep. How is he in this team? Dropped Watson. Had enough time to stump Hughes and failed? He cannot possibly be the best they have. Ramdin is 100 times better than this one. This is how windies self destruct.

on February 8, 2013, 8:53 GMT

Great innings by Pollard. Just be more consistent please. Same goes to the other WI batsmen, been a horror this series.

Wonder what has happened to Gayle, he has not been performing in ODIs lately.

cccrider
on February 8, 2013, 8:27 GMT

Bubble gum blowing non-concentrating Finch is not worthy of this level of play. Sack him. Quickly.

on February 8, 2013, 8:17 GMT

Saw Pollard in Canberra on Wednesday....sensational in the field for a big man.

RednWhiteArmy
on February 8, 2013, 8:16 GMT

I think this series, with the previous Test series between WI & aus, has proven that australia is the 5th best team at the moment & WI are 6th

blitzNM
on February 8, 2013, 8:13 GMT

Ahh !....i always imagined Pollard as somewhat of MSD for West Indies.....I can compare this innings with the one in chennai against pak recently by MSD. He just need to improve his consistency.....and believe like MSD....that he can go ballistic in last couple of overs after spending some time at crease.....Thats war MSD does !

BRUTALANALYST
on February 8, 2013, 8:01 GMT

TINO BEST is showing why he should have been playing from match 1 he's averaging about 150 km/h still the fastest in the world visibly hurrying both Watson and Finch good to watch.

on February 8, 2013, 7:38 GMT

what a graet inning by big man.it's pure classy inning..............................it's called talent not like RG Sharma who never show character when needed.........................

dan1234
on February 8, 2013, 7:12 GMT

Thank goodness the WI made it to 220 for sheer entertainment value! Would have been a pitty for someone like Voges to get a chance in the team only to maybe have a bat with only a handful of runs to get.

on February 8, 2013, 7:08 GMT

This is pollard best inness in odi. it was mature, patient batting and brilliantly playing. now can you play with that mind set at all time when it's required. well done

on February 8, 2013, 7:05 GMT

Go ahead Pollard, punch the air. Too bad you can't play these innings when they count. Once in a blue moon this happens.

electric_loco_WAP4
on February 8, 2013, 6:46 GMT

Go on Aus ... 4 - nil in a short while from now and a couple days break before the
next thrashing to complete the 5-0 sweep...in true Aussie style!! And a commanding
effort it will be ...a 'royal' thrashing as pack up gift for the Windies. The gulf in class
between the teams is for all to see... really ,Aus -a class apart!!

on February 8, 2013, 6:42 GMT

wondrfull...WI...battling out what a team...

on February 8, 2013, 6:18 GMT

This Australian team isn't as good as this WI team makes it seem. WI have a lot of mediocre players hence the results.

on February 8, 2013, 5:37 GMT

Asad Rauf should retire from umpiring he's been making too many mistake on the pitch and behind the camera.

on February 8, 2013, 4:28 GMT

West Indies make Australia seem like some unbeatable team. These performances are disappointing.

Chucker1818
on February 8, 2013, 4:14 GMT

There's a 1st class cricketer going around who won Domestic player of the year in 2009 and 2010,has consistently made runs in all forms and for some unknown reason doesn't get a mention these days from selectors.

He's played for Australia A on a number of occasions,successfully led his team to a T20 Title in 2011 and subsequently led by example, making 80 odd runs to take his team the Adelaide Redbacks, to a thrilling win in the Ryobi Cup in Adelaide last season.

From what we've seen,he can field a bit too
.
So what's happened to Maxy Klinger? Anyone know?

on February 8, 2013, 3:52 GMT

"It seems Ramnaresh has ruined the chance which has given to him to play for Windies again.I still feel so frustrated to not see Shiv Chanderpaul in there squad.They should include him as he is the best after Brian Lara played for them in last one and half decade!"...............

on February 8, 2013, 3:44 GMT

Johnathan Charles nor Sarwan should be on tour in Australia.

jmcilhinney
on February 8, 2013, 3:38 GMT

WI are probably already missing Samuels and losing Gayle as well would at least be a mental blow, although his form recently doesn't suggest that his presence would make a big difference in the batting.

VivGilchrist
on February 8, 2013, 3:34 GMT

I sound like a broken down record I know, but WI have gone in a bowler short. Holder should have come in instead of Charles. Russel may have the look of a bowler but he is of more value to the team as a basman. Wouldve been interesting to give Pollard a shot at opening in the absence of Gayle....

on February 8, 2013, 3:15 GMT

good to see sarwan ommited ,has had enough chances time for new blood

No featured comments at the moment.

on February 8, 2013, 3:15 GMT

good to see sarwan ommited ,has had enough chances time for new blood

VivGilchrist
on February 8, 2013, 3:34 GMT

I sound like a broken down record I know, but WI have gone in a bowler short. Holder should have come in instead of Charles. Russel may have the look of a bowler but he is of more value to the team as a basman. Wouldve been interesting to give Pollard a shot at opening in the absence of Gayle....

jmcilhinney
on February 8, 2013, 3:38 GMT

WI are probably already missing Samuels and losing Gayle as well would at least be a mental blow, although his form recently doesn't suggest that his presence would make a big difference in the batting.

on February 8, 2013, 3:44 GMT

Johnathan Charles nor Sarwan should be on tour in Australia.

on February 8, 2013, 3:52 GMT

"It seems Ramnaresh has ruined the chance which has given to him to play for Windies again.I still feel so frustrated to not see Shiv Chanderpaul in there squad.They should include him as he is the best after Brian Lara played for them in last one and half decade!"...............

Chucker1818
on February 8, 2013, 4:14 GMT

There's a 1st class cricketer going around who won Domestic player of the year in 2009 and 2010,has consistently made runs in all forms and for some unknown reason doesn't get a mention these days from selectors.

He's played for Australia A on a number of occasions,successfully led his team to a T20 Title in 2011 and subsequently led by example, making 80 odd runs to take his team the Adelaide Redbacks, to a thrilling win in the Ryobi Cup in Adelaide last season.

From what we've seen,he can field a bit too
.
So what's happened to Maxy Klinger? Anyone know?

on February 8, 2013, 4:28 GMT

West Indies make Australia seem like some unbeatable team. These performances are disappointing.

on February 8, 2013, 5:37 GMT

Asad Rauf should retire from umpiring he's been making too many mistake on the pitch and behind the camera.

on February 8, 2013, 6:18 GMT

This Australian team isn't as good as this WI team makes it seem. WI have a lot of mediocre players hence the results.